Dobson Will 'Certainly' Vote in Election '08

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Dr. James Dobson said Sunday that he would vote in November, ending the widespread rumor that he would sit out during this year's presidential election due to dissatisfaction with the choice of candidates.

"Let me just say that I will certainly vote," the influential conservative leader said on Hannity's America. "I think we have a God-given responsibility to vote, and there are all of the candidates and the issues down the ballot that we have an obligation to weigh in on and let our voices be heard."

However, Dobson – who founded Focus on the Family but spoke as a private citizen – added that he "has problems" with all three major presidential contenders, especially the Democrats, according to FOTF's Citzenlink publication.

In terms of presumptive Republican nominee John McCain, Dobson has strongly criticized the Arizona senator for what he deemed as anti-family and anti-conservative stances.

His criticisms include McCain's support for embryonic stem-cell research, his "legendary temper," and frequent use of "foul and obscene language."

"I cannot, and will not, vote for Sen. John McCain, as a matter of conscience," Dobson had said in February when he announced his endorsement of then-presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee.

But during Sunday's interview, he seemed to be reconsidering his stance with McCain, foregoing the fiery words he once aimed at the likely Republican nominee. Yet the issue of McCain's support for embryonic stem-cell research was again brought up as a point of contention.

"But that (the embryonic stem-cell research issue)'s an important one for me," Dobson said to host Sean Hannity. "And you can't really call yourself pro-life if you're in favor of killing those babies."

The process of extracting embryonic stem cells requires destroying the embryo, making the extraction an issue similar to abortion for some pro-lifers.

In the end, although Dobson conceded that he would vote this fall, the Christian conservative did not give details on who he would vote for. He said he and his wife Shirley, chairman of the National Day of Prayer Task Force, will continue to pray that God's will be reflected in the outcome of the election.